When I acquired my copy of Stand Alone Complex, I remember watching this at least a dozen times in a row, none of the episodes ever failing to entertain. I still relished every battle scene; admired every line of dialogue, and cried like a baby each time I witnessed the penultimate episode. Major Motoko Kusanagi to this day remains, quite possibly, my favorite anime character of all time, and what Mamoru Oshii accomplished during the films, and Kenji Kamiyama conceived during the series, was to create a character so beautiful, intelligent and mysterious, nobody could possibly look away from her. Although more respectful and mature than Shirow Masamune's depiction (who occasionally resembled Duenan from Appleseed), Motoko's unflinching authority and superior abilities remained. The youthful impression we have of the Major in Ghost Pain doesn't capture the voice that Masamune conceived, however, does paint a new image of her character that we have never been privy to.For those who have viewed the 2ng Gig of Stand Alone complex, you may remember Kamiyama developed a back-story for the Major, in which, as a young girl, she was involved in a catastrophic crash. After her human body failed her, Motoko's mind was transferred to that of a cyborg. This entire back-story is forgotten in Ghost Pain, which instead describes something else. As Masamune never actually wrote about how the Major came to be heavily cyborg, this allows plenty of leg room for a multitude of perceptions. The fact this feature doesn't reflect what has been previously developed may cause the audience to wonder which interpretation is most plausibly accurate During Ghost Pain, the Major is a seemingly short young woman with florescent blue hair and turquoise eyes. Although the actress voicing her is talented, the fact her vocal range never touches upon previous depictions of Motoko's character, makes adapting to this new design a little difficult. The colors used in Ghost Pain are very well developed, and Motoko's red outfit is further evidence of this. However, if the creators had retained a similar hair color to the previous series and comics, and gone for a blue suit (fans who have read Ghost in the Shell Phantom Fund might know what I mean), I think this would have done the character greater justice.Although Aramaki, Batou, Togusa and Raz make appearances, these often feel like underdeveloped cameos, with Motoko commanding the screen, and though there is nothing particularly wrong with this, one cannot hope fans will want to join the Major on another adventure if she is nothing like they once remember. Rather than feeling like the traditional cyberpunk, although these elements distinctly remain, Ghost Pain is more film noir than anything else, and is a classic case of trying to figure out who the lead antagonist is. Despite been a different interpretation, the way this is written works really well, the developers making the viewer believe one particular idea, before pulling the rug out from beneath their feet and having them believe something else entirely. It is not until the case is concluded that we have all of the answers.I would never go so far as to say the story is creepy, or even retains the same level of darkness as Ghost in the Shell 2 Innocence, but the writers do take advantage of the storyline. As some characters find their memories and eyes hacked, they are forced to witness and believe things that are untrue, and their frustrating battle to uncover what is real, alongside the fear they are losing control, is really well conveyed. Moreover, rather than having all of the answers, Motoko is seen to be a character with vulnerability, and her humanity is heightened in the actions that she takes. Although 'show don't tell' works great in literature, I have always had preference for Motoko's philosophical discussions, none of which make an appearance in this adaptation.The action we have come to appreciate from Ghost in the Shell certainly does make a resurgence, the acrobatic movements of the cyborgs being a flurry of color, the sound of one cyborg smashing violently into another heightening these scenes. Despite a number of robotic bodies been irreparably damaged in some instances, it is perhaps contradictory the same level of destruction is never applied to the human combatants who are attacked. Furthermore, the music, which sounds very retro and digital, really helps immerse the viewer in the action scenes, though the opening and concluding themes are certainly no where near the caliber of Kenji Kawai or Yoko Kano.If you are a massive fan of the Ghost in the Shell universe, you will probably do yourself a disservice by not watching this new reincarnation of the franchise. Don't be surprised however if it fails to live up to expectations, although by the end, if you're anything like me, you'll still want to marry Motoko Kusanagi and have a bunch of cyber babies with her. Despite Ghost Pain been no where near the most exemplary addition to the Ghost in the Shell universe, there are certainly a number of twists and entertaining scenes to captivate your interest. Just don't expect the same story or character quality exhibited from previous titles, both of which could have been equally fleshed out.

This was some bull crap. This movie was almost nothing like the original ghost in the shell. For what ever reason there is an unexplained conflict between two characters that is in no way explained what so ever.this was so bland that I found my self falling asleep. The entire plot is freaking confusing. I don't even why some of the stuff in the film is happening. There is so many freaking cliff hanger that I lost count. This was a very poor attempt to revive ghost in the shell. Watch this crap if your curious. The animation was new but the constant cameos of Microsoft tablets were annoying considering this is a Prequel and that the original ghost in the shell did not have smartphones or tablets because during that era, they did not exist

Now If I am honest I went into this movie a bit sceptically due to the looks of the trailers. But upon pressing play I found the new visual design to be of little consequence and very soon I settled down to what I hoped would be an enjoyable watch. So where did it all go wrong! Well not graphically! I can tell you, graphic quality is not an issue in this production. In fact this is very much a spectacle rich movie in line with western blockbusters as far as that goes, but just like western blockbusters the brains have left the building! It's all flash and no bang, the plot is both boring and stupid, the pacing of the non action moments are so poor you find yourself drifting and thinking about shopping lists and laundry! The things that made GITS so special above its setting its look and even its main characters, was it depth and intelligence! You will find little of either in this film. It is not bad, it is just no where near a 7 out of 10. It is a mediocre 5, watch it and forget it.

This was excellent (you can now leave to watch it)....and as a huge fan of the anime (not the manga) I loved it. I have all the other episodes and films and TV films and redux etc. and I love them all for being different but the same, well this is the same, but different. It looks awesome (real sweet)and has signature cool GITS gadgets and crazy spy plots and Jap. madness and some awesome fight scenes with robot brilliance. Obviously watch in Japanese with Eng. subs if possible. As soon as I had watch it wanted the next instalment (Nov 2013).Seriously anyone who moans about this (and there are many) because it looks a little different and has a few plot differences is an idiot, as the manga is very VERY difference to all the anime and eventually the comic became 'hentai'(arty porn) so be pleased with what we have here and what we have is excellent! The major is particularly cool and though slightly different than her past incarnations she is still her own woman / android and it is super cool how the team comes together and emotionally binds.My only issue is the story is a little convoluted and confusing at times but so was the 2ng Gig and especially GITS2 at times due to language and cultural issues as well as poor writing.Also if you love the films and the previous TV shows then you might have to 'readjust' but the new back stories and the shifted focus really make ARISE its own animal and by the end you simply don't care and just want to see hot robots kill each other! (and other stuff). Also good news....you do not need to know anything about the franchise or the films or manga or animes etc. as it stands on its own two synthetic feet. Go get the bluray version now and you will not be sorry."What we have here is a failure to communicate", Captain